One notable issues brought to light was the safety of the floating dock at Village Park. The dock was described as being in poor condition, which raised significant safety concerns. Members weighed the options between repairing the existing structure and investing in a new dock, with discussions leaning towards a plastic floating dock estimated to cost between $3,000 and $4,000. The urgency of addressing these safety concerns was emphasized, given the lack of capital requests for the upcoming township budget. The challenge lay in securing the necessary funding and approvals to proceed with repairs or replacements.

Parallel to the dock discussion, the status of the pickleball and tennis court project was reviewed. Although sealant application on the asphalt had been completed, the project faced delays due to issues with the contractor’s understanding of bid specifications, particularly concerning wind load requirements for fencing. There was a noted need for proper materials to support soundproofing, further delaying the completion of painting and net installations.

The meeting also highlighted frustrations regarding budget requests for future projects, such as a pavilion. Members expressed concern over the ambiguity of information needed to support their requests, pointing out that without precise figures, securing funding becomes challenging. This catch-22 situation was acknowledged as a recurring issue, with a suggestion made to aim high in budget requests to ensure adequate funding. The need for clarity on what to include in requests for the pavilion and floating dock was underscored as essential for future planning.

In an effort to explore additional funding avenues, the potential for a grant from the Department of Community Affairs was discussed. This grant, typically offering around $100,000 per project, could support improvements at Village Park, such as permanent bathrooms. However, the specific criteria for such funding remained a point of uncertainty, prompting the recreation director to agree to investigate further.

Community engagement was another focal point of the meeting, with discussions around a delayed survey intended to gauge interest in potential park enhancements, including a splash pad and permanent bathrooms. The survey, set to be distributed soon, was expected to inform future decisions and programming. Members emphasized the importance of promoting the survey through various channels to maximize participation and gather meaningful data.

The potential inclusion of a splash pad alongside a new bathroom facility was debated, with some members advocating for gauging community interest before proceeding. While there was enthusiasm for exploring the splash pad concept, caution was advised to avoid hindering the bathroom project. The necessity of consulting with the township engineer about the feasibility of both projects was acknowledged, with a consensus to gather information without committing to specific projects at this stage.

Efforts to increase participation in summer camp programs were highlighted as a significant goal, with proposals for attendance or revenue targets. The challenges of aligning camp offerings with the school calendar and facility constraints were discussed, along with the importance of enhanced promotion to improve visibility. Members suggested brainstorming creative ways to promote the camp, given concerns about the disappearance of a promotional Facebook page.